Developing Their Gifts: Meet Loyola’s National Merit Semifinalists

9/10/2026

(l-r) Caleb Krecker, Audrey Alfe, Spencer Schmalz

Loyola Academy seniors Audrey Alfe, Caleb Krecker and Spencer Schmalz have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among fewer than one percent of high school seniors nationwide.

More than 1.3 million students entered this year’s program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Approximately 16,000 were selected as Semifinalists based on their academic achievement and performance on the qualifying exam.

More than 1.3 million students entered this year’s program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Approximately 16,000 were selected as Semifinalists based on their academic achievement and performance on the qualifying exam.

Audrey Alfe

Audrey’s Loyola experience reflects her wide-ranging interests and commitment to getting involved. She has participated in field hockey, junior varsity lacrosse, DECA, the Clavius Scholars Program, Torch Club, Student Ambassadors, peer tutoring, the Arrupe Service Program at Madonna Mission and Summer Service.

Math has long been Audrey’s favorite subject, complemented by a strong interest in science and a desire to understand how the world works. She is especially excited to study AP Physics C this year and is considering biomedical engineering or mathematics on a pre-medical track, with the hope of pursuing a career in healthcare.

Her experience competing at the DECA State Career Development Conference challenged her to think on her feet and communicate her knowledge confidently in a professional setting. Service has also shaped the way Audrey approaches learning. Through peer tutoring and her work with students at Madonna Mission, she has learned that helping others understand a concept often requires looking at it from a new perspective.

Audrey credits Loyola’s faculty and staff with helping her recognize and develop her gifts. She especially values teachers who remain present to their students long after a class has ended and create a community that she looks forward to being part of each day.

Inspired by Loyola’s Jesuit approach to education, Audrey hopes to continue deepening her knowledge while placing what she learns in service to others. “Those opportunities have helped me understand why I go to school,” she shared, “and how I can help people.”

Caleb Krecker

Caleb has pursued his interests in athletics, science and engineering throughout his time at Loyola. He plays hockey, serves as his team’s social media manager and holds a leadership role within the program. He is also a member of Chinese Club and has participated in Science Olympiad, where he has enjoyed putting his scientific knowledge to the test and earning recognition in competition.

Physics, mathematics and engineering are the subjects that most naturally capture Caleb’s interest. He enjoys not only understanding complex ideas but also applying them to design and build something tangible. Science Olympiad has given him opportunities to bring that approach to life through collaborative problem-solving and competition.

Caleb once imagined becoming a pilot, but after learning that his eyesight could limit that path, he discovered a new calling in aeronautical engineering. The field offers him another way to explore aviation while drawing upon his strengths in physics, mathematics and design.

Outside the classroom, Caleb plays guitar and participates in competitive weightlifting—interests that require creativity, discipline and perseverance. Looking ahead, he hopes to use his engineering abilities in practical service to his family, church and community. Inspired by an engineer who designed and constructed a building for his church, Caleb hopes one day to use his own knowledge and skills to identify needs, solve problems and create something that benefits others.

Spencer Schmalz

Spencer has embraced opportunities to lead, learn and serve throughout his time at Loyola. He serves as co-president of Model United Nations, president of Chess Club and co-chair of Grade Level Engagement for Student Council. He is also a Clavius Scholar, National Honor Society member, Spanish Honor Society member, peer tutor and Student Ambassador. A Loyola chess tournament champion, Spencer has also received the Arrupe Service Award.

Spencer is especially inspired by mathematics and its ability to illuminate the world around him. An AP Statistics course during his sophomore year encouraged him to combine his interest in data with his love of baseball. After completing a project examining the relationship between pitching velocity and success in Major League Baseball, he independently developed, refined and validated a new pitching statistic. His research is currently under consideration for publication by multiple baseball research and analytics forums.

Service has also played an important role in Spencer’s formation. Since his sophomore year, he has volunteered twice a week at Madonna Mission, where he tutors students, teaches chess, plays soccer and builds relationships. “Teaching and learning at Madonna Mission has become a highlight of my week, an inspiration and an extremely meaningful aspect of my life,” he shared.

Although Spencer once considered himself solely a “math person,” Loyola has helped him discover new interests in reading, writing, debate and research. He is considering several possible paths—including finance, sports analytics and teaching—but remains open to where his gifts and curiosity may lead him. “Loyola has helped me recognize that education comes with responsibility,” he said. “As I continue to learn, in college and beyond, I hope to use my new knowledge and experience to continue to teach, support and inspire my community.”

Audrey, Caleb and Spencer embody Loyola Academy’s tradition of academic excellence and the Jesuit ideal of developing one’s gifts not only for personal achievement, but for the good of others. We congratulate these outstanding members of the Class of 2027 as they continue discerning their callings and preparing to lead with greater love and courage.